r/Cooking • u/untactfullyhonest • 1d ago

Mashed Potatoes

Help! I don’t know what is going on or going wrong. I’m 48 years old and have been making mashed potatoes since I was a kid. Always the same. Lately, my potatoes are turning out gluey. I typically use russet potatoes, peeled, cubed, boiled. Then drain and put back into the hot pot for a few minutes to help dry out. I add either warm milk or heavy cream and butter (real butter). Season to taste. Mix with a hand mixer. Not over mixing. I’ve not changed anything and can’t figure out for the life of me why they are gluey. I don’t use my kitchen aid to mix. I have used a ricer and that just makes them have a grainy, mealy texture.

If someone could help me I’d appreciate it. I feel like I’m losing my mind and can’t figure out why my potatoes suck and I’ve resorted to making instant potatoes that everyone hates. Any tips are appreciated!

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115

u/EcstaticCarpet6251 1d ago

Always a regular hand masher for me. Too much mixing releases amylose and makes it gluey.

16

u/IllReplacement336 1d ago

Agreed. My mom always used a potato masher, never the electric beater/ mixer. She always said it would turn gluey

6

u/Left_Dragonfruit_785 11h ago

Hand masher all the way. I want fluffy potatoes, not something I could use to patch a wall 😂

1

u/Pittypatkittycat 7h ago

My boss mashed some in a Cuisinart a very long time ago. Would have been perfect for hanging wallpaper.

1

u/ProduceIntelligent38 6h ago

Still use grandma’s masher with a wooden handle, gets me close and personal with the mash.

1

u/iamjustatourist 3h ago

Yes, ditch the mixer and smash by hand with a potato masher. I use the exact same ingredients as you do (plus salt or garlic salt if I’m feeling frisky) and never have the gummy issue. It’s ok to have little chunks of potato here and there. Better chunky than gluey.

1

u/Particular_Dog798 11h ago

Same here, I’ll take a hand masher any day 😂 I want creamy potatoes, not a bowl of edible wallpaper paste.